The anime community was buzzing after news broke that AlphaPolis, a prominent Japanese publisher, had acquired full ownership of White Fox, the animation studio behind titles like Steins;Gate, Akame ga Kill, and the fan-favorite Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World. With the transfer of all shares and voting rights, fans took to social media to express concern about how this buyout could impact Re:ZERO’s continuation, especially with Season 4 already announced and in production.
The core concern stemmed from the idea that AlphaPolis, which primarily focuses on adapting its own IPs, may sideline ongoing external projects such as Re:ZERO. A popular user on X (formerly Twitter) voiced this fear directly to White Fox founder Gaku Iwasa, questioning whether the sale meant Iwasa had lost control and whether Re:ZERO would receive the care it deserves going forward. Another user criticized Iwasa’s leadership entirely, even suggesting retirement, claiming the studio had failed to compete with global hits like One Piece.
Iwasa was quick to respond to these doubts with a calm and confident tone. He clarified that financial motives were never the reason he created White Fox, and reassured fans that he still intends to see Re:ZERO through to the very end. In his words:
“As for Re:ZERO, I plan to stick with it until the end unless KADOKAWA-san or Nagatsuki-tentei gives me the boot. Even if something comes up, I’ll make sure to handle the handover properly, so please don’t worry.”
Iwasa’s message offered a sense of stability for a fanbase that has followed Subaru’s chaotic, emotional journey across multiple seasons. His direct mention of creator Tappei Nagatsuki and publisher Kadokawa added weight to his commitment, suggesting that unless key creative forces explicitly decide otherwise, Re:ZERO will continue under his supervision.
In a follow-up post, Iwasa mentioned that the deal with AlphaPolis would not disrupt operations at White Fox’s Izukogen branch, a facility dedicated to training young animators and producing new works. His long-term goal, he says, is still focused on fostering creative talent while maintaining quality storytelling.
This acquisition also reflects a growing trend in the industry, where publishers like AlphaPolis and Edia are moving aggressively to create anime adaptations of their own intellectual properties. The shift is part of a larger business strategy to capitalize on anime’s booming international audience and boost visibility for the original works. Edia, which owns the publisher behind titles like Chronicles of an Aristocrat Reborn in Another World, recently announced plans to enter full-scale anime production with significant investment backing.
With the future of Re:ZERO under question and now addressed, fans can continue to look forward to the anime’s fourth season, which recently revealed its first trailer and updated visuals. The industry may be evolving rapidly, but it seems the heart of Re:ZERO remains in good hands.
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